Reclaiming My Broken Luna by Selene Souchon

Chapter 419: Fortress of Deceit Chapter 79: Tension Rising Astrid's POV The weight of the fragment of the forsaken amulet lingered in my mind as Killian, Ryder, and I exited the war room.

Every step I took felt heavier, like the realization of Ardan's plan was manifesting into a physical burden.

The hallways of the Packhouse were unusually quiet, the tension gripping everyone like a silent warning.

I could feel the watchful eyes of the guards stationed at every corner, their hands never straying far from their weapons.

The air was thick with unease, and I couldn't shake the cold fear that curled in my chest.

"I don't like this," I said softly, breaking the silence as Killian walked beside me. "The fragment..... what is he doing with them? How exactly would he fix the amulet..." Killian's jaw tightened, his golden eyes fixed straight ahead. "He won't get far. We'll intercept him before he completes the amulet." "And if we don't?" I asked, my voice trembling. "Killian, we don't know what's going on in his mind. We're not just dealing with the rogue king anymore. We're facing something far worse." Killian stopped abruptly, turning to face me. His hands gently cupped my shoulders, grounding me.

"Astrid, listen to me," he said firmly. "We're not going to let that happen. He might have plans, but so do we. You're not alone in this." I swallowed hard, my throat dry. "I know. But it's not just us anymore, Killian. Ryker and Elara-" My voice broke, and I had to pause, taking a steadying breath.

"They're part of this now. And I can't stop thinking about how close he's come." His expression softened, the sharp edge of his fury giving way to something gentler.

"That's exactly why we'll stop him," he said quietly. "Because we have more to protect than he could ever take from us." I nodded, though the knot in my stomach refused to loosen.

His words were a comfort, but they didn't erase the image of the fragment Ryder had placed on the table. If Ardan truly had more pieces...

"Alpha Killian, Luna Astrid," a voice called, cutting through the stillness. We turned to see a young scout hurrying toward us, his face pale and his breathing labored.

"What is it?" Killian asked, his voice sharp as he stepped forward.

"There's been movement near the eastern border," the scout reported, his voice trembling.

"A small group of rogues was spotted, but they retreated before our patrols could engage. We found... this." He held out a folded piece of parchment, his hand shaking slightly.

Killian took the note and unfolded it, his golden eyes narrowing as he read. I stepped closer, peering over his shoulder.

Your tis running out. You know what we want. Give it up before you suffer the consequences. The words were scrawled hastily, the ink smudged in places, but the message was clear.

A chill ran down my spine as I read it, my mind racing with possibilities.

"They're taunting us," Killian growled, crumpling the note in his fist. "Trying to rattle us." "It's working," I admitted, my voice quieter than I intended. My eyes darted to the scout. "Was there anything else? Tracks, scents?" The scout shook his head. "No, Luna. They were careful, but we're certain they were rogues. The patrol is doubling back to make sure there aren't any stragglers." Killian dismissed him with a nod, his expression dark. As the scout disappeared down the hallway, I turned to Killian, my chest tight with fear.

"This isn't just a warning," I said. "It's a promise." He placed a reassuring hand on my back, guidingtoward the Packhouse's living quarters. "Then we make sure they never get the chance to act on it." We reached Ryker and Elara's room, where two guards stood at attention.

They bowed their heads as we approached, stepping aside to allow us entry, Inside, the children were playing near the fireplace, their laughter a stark contrast to the dread that hung over us.

Ryker looked up first, his face lighting up when he saw us.

"Mama! Papa!" he called, rushing over to throw his arms around my waist.

Elara followed, her curls bouncing as she ran to Killian.

"Papa, did you finish your meeting?" she asked, her voice bright and innocent.

Killian scooped her up, his expression softening as he held her close.

"I did, little one," he said, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "How have you two been?"

"Ryker keeps saying he can fight rogues now," Elara said, rolling her eyes in a way that madelaugh En despite myself.

"Oh, does he?" Killian asked, raising an eyebrow at our son. "And what makes you think you're ready for that?" "I've been practicing!" Ryker declared, puffing out his chest. "Uncle Ryder showedhow to use my claws." My heart clenched at his words, a mixture of pride and fear flooding through me.

"You're very brave, Ryker," I said gently, kneeling to meet his gaze et "But you're still a pup. Your job is to stay safe and let the grown-ups handle the fighting." "But Mama-" "No buts," Killian interrupted, his tone firm but kind. "You'll have your time, Ryker.

Right now, your job is to be a kid. Can you do that for us?" Ryker hesitated before nodding reluctantly. "Okay," he said softly.

Killian set Elara down, and she immediately reached for my hand. “Mama, will you stay with us tonight?" I smiled, squeezing her tiny fingers. "Of course, sweetheart." Killian's golden eyes met mine over their heads, his expression a silent promise.

No matter what Ardan planned, no matter how close he came, we would protect them. Together.

As I held my children close, I felt the faintest flicker of hope. Ardan might think he had the upper hand, But he N underestimated one thing: the strength of a family united against him.